Nick’s story is an inspiring one of living with a developmental disability. His family knew very early on that public school was not going to be the right fit for him and friends recommended Benedictine. Nick was very shy and tiny when he joined Benedictine at age 5. He was still drinking out of a bottle and had to be carried around. Over time, with the support of Benedictine’s staff and teachers, Nick learned how to drink out of a glass, bathe and dress himself. His language skills improved and he even learned to read a bit. By keeping Nick’s focus on learning life skills, he was able to develop a better understanding of the world around him. Small miracles like these happen every day at Benedictine. Nick’s family and all the families of those supported by Benedictine have been putting their trust in Benedictine for over 60 years knowing that their loved ones will be well cared for with compassion and dignity.
After Nick graduated from the Benedictine school he moved into one of Benedictine’s adult group homes where he still resides. Through the years Nick has developed close relationships with his housemates and he loves going to baseball games with them or out to dinner and especially the movies! He enjoys horseback riding at Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center and likes to dance to music he refers to as “Oldies but Goodies!” At home, Nick and his housemates work together to complete household chores including cleaning and sorting laundry.
Nick loves to keep busy and has had many roles over the years at Benedictine including landscaping and delivering mail. Because of his experience and enthusiasm, Nick secured a job with Hog Neck Golf Course in 2017. On any given day you will see Nick vacuuming, mopping floors or cleaning windows. Ann, his Benedictine job coach who supports him on his job, says Nick loves talking with the staff and will do anything you ask him to do – his excitement for his job is amazing.” Rich Sutter, General Manager at Hog Neck shared that Nick brings joy the workplace. “Nick always has a smile on his face and when you see him he just brings you up and makes your day! Nick’s story is truly a Benedictine success story, from his first days in the school to his transition to a group home and now contributing to his community through his work. As Nick himself says, “I feel proud!”
Nick and several others supported by Benedictine were recently featured in a video called “Dignity of Work.”
Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider supporting close to 200 children and adults living with developmental disabilities and autism. Benedictine’s mission is to help the individuals they support achieve their greatest potential and highest level of independence.
The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot counties.
Benedictine’s Adult Services program offers Meaningful Day and job training services for transitional youth and adults, ages 22 to 70+, who live in the community, and in 18 Benedictine adult group homes in Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties.
Benedictine’s Easton Community Services & Training Center prepares the adults it serves to enter the workforce. Benedictine also collaborates with the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) to provide training programs and job search services for students in the Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline and Dorchester County public schools, and adults living in the surrounding community.
Benedictine serves individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 350 employees. For more information, visit www.benschool.org.
To hear more stories about Benedictine’s students and adults working in the community, please view the Dignity of Work video. To learn more about the Benedictine school, please contact Admissions; Benedictine Adult Services, please contact the Adult Services Director; the Training Office in Easton, please contact the Meaningful Day Services Director. Interested in joining the Benedictine team, please view Job Openings. To find out how you can make a difference and support Benedictine through a donation, please contact the Chief Advancement Officer.
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